One question project: Carina van Kraay
What strategies or approaches have you found effective in navigating traditionally male-dominated environments and ensuring to keep up with staying relevant in an ever-evolving and competitive landscape?
As a producer of festivals and events, you are surrounded by men. Technicians, directors, artists, bookers, managers, you name it: most used to be male.
Nowadays that’s finally changing, thank god. My strategy during a production: use within your first sentences as many words and expressions specific for their trade. Immediately they realise you know what their work entails, and you position yourself as a worthy colleague they can actually have a professional discussion with. That saves a lot of time and energy. Speak their language.
As I get older I might not be knowledgeable of all the latest software and tools for my profession. But also my work changes because I’ve become the professional that has been around for so long, and people start hiring me more and more as a consultant. And not knowing all the latest tools does not matter that much in that role, since I don’t have to use them.
But this all depends on your work. If you are still active in the same role, keep on top of developments by also talking to other professionals and hearing which tools they use and where their input comes from.
About Carina:
Co-founder and owner of café Checkpoint Charlie, cultural entrepreneur, organiser of festivals and events, music lover and interior designer.
I’m 53 years old, married, have no kids, and am from a small town near Nijmegen, but living in A’dam since 1993.
I studied for 2 years at an Arts Academy and have my bachelor's in Arts Management.